Effects of electric fields on onset of dropwise condensation based on Gibbs free energy and availability analyses

Abstract

A thermodynamic model based on changes in Gibbs free energy and availability is developed in this paper for onset of condensation of supersaturated or saturated vapor under electric fields. Both homogeneous condensation and heterogeneous condensation on subcooled surfaces are considered. Effects of contact angle, subcooled wall temperature and the strength of the electric field on heterogeneous condensation are illustrated. The results of these analyses show that an electric field can decrease the critical radius and promote onset of droplet condensation in a supersaturated or saturated vapor.